La Culture!

Getting to experience a life abroad has been nothing short of incredible. Building lasting friendships with my study abroad cohort, trying a variety of new foods, and creating new routines have all been engraved in my mind and will last forever in my memory. My journey in Paris came to an end much quicker than…

A summer in Paris that changed me forever

Two months seems like an eternity in any other case. But the two months I’ve spent in Paris are perhaps the fastest two months in my entire life. I’ve experienced and learned an enormous amount of things in a small period of time. I still remember my very first day when I landed at the…

Under ljuset från Andromeda

This summer has been an absolute whirlwind! I feel like I just left for Sweden only a little while ago, and now classes start again in less than a month! For this final blog post, I’ll be talking about my growth and takeaways from my whole experience. I don’t think I could ever sum up…

Post Trip Reflection

I wanted to start out by thanking everyone who helped me make this experience happen. I couldn’t have done this without the support and trust of friends, family, advisors, and supervisors. I spent this summer interning with the company Green Little Heart. This is a sustainable marketplace that sells ethically sourced and sustainably produced goods…

Success in the US vs. France

Success in the US is associated with the hustle and grind. People work hard and often push their physical limits to get things done and this is a source of pride. High salaries, quick promotions, and prestigious companies are what people chase. Moreover, people are quite willing to take risks when it comes to their…

Cultural Assimilation in France

The longer the stay in a foreign country, the more important it becomes to try to act how a local would. Needless to say, it is not possible to completely blend in; even after living in France for years, some people still have habits or mindsets from their home country. But people appreciate seeing someone…

Bonjour : the Key Code to French Communication

Never forget to say “Bonjour” at the beginning of any interaction and a “Merci, au revoir” at the end. There are many stereotypes that French people are unkind, specifically Parisians. This is simply a result of different styles of communication across different cultures. One simple aspect that is overlooked so much but makes a massive…

Post-Dublin Reflections

            During my two month internship experience this summer, I have gained numerous professional experiences. I am very grateful to have been able to work at the European Institute of Women’s Health, a nonprofit organization focusing on improving international policy surrounding women’s health. Though this is not a career path I plan to pursue, it runs…

Post-Madrid Reflections

It’s been just over a week since I returned home from Europe. After I left Madrid, I spent a lovely three days with my friend and her family at their home in Naples, which included a day trip to Rome. Since then, I’ve been back in my childhood home in Clarksburg, Maryland, where I’ve spent…